NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), in pursuance of NPCI Board & RBI approval, was incorporated on April 3, 2020 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). NIPL is devoted for deployment of RuPay (domestic card scheme) and UPI (mobile payment solution) outside of India.
NIPL is building a huge acceptance network for RuPay and UPI which will help Indian travelers pay with these payment channels in their destination country of travel. With the evolution and growth of the NIPL network, any Indian travelling to any country across the globe will be able to use our products.
NIPL is strategically building an extensive acceptance network for RuPay and UPI across global destinations, enabling Indian travelers to seamlessly use these familiar payment methods when abroad. The long-term vision is ambitious yet achievable—ensuring that Indians traveling anywhere in the world can rely on these trusted payment channels.
NIPL’s Two Big Pillars for Global Expansion
1. UPI for Merchant Payments Abroad
Indian users can now pay at overseas shops, restaurants, and websites by simply scanning a UPI QR code or using their UPI apps.
- Local payment partners abroad integrate with NIPL to enable this.
- Already live in countries like France, UAE, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Singapore. Source: NPCI
2. Real-Time Cross-Border Transfers
The UPI–PayNow linkage between India and Singapore enables instant person-to-person transfers using a mobile number or UPI ID (VPA).
This facilitates fast, safe, and cost-effective cross-border transfers. Source: Press Information Bureau, Reserve Bank of India
UPI for NRIs & Foreign Visitors
- Foreign nationals and NRIs visiting India can now make payments using UPI at select international airports and beyond. Source: NPCI
- The RBI permits UPI access for users from countries such as Singapore, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, USA, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the UK. Source: Press Information Bureau, NPCI
International Payments Made Easy with UPI
Through NIPL, Indian users can now make international payments at overseas merchant outlets or even on global websites by scanning a QR code using their UPI app. To use this service, customers must activate the international/UPI Global feature on their UPI-powered apps such as BHIM, Paytm UPI, and others that support UPI International.
Key benefits include:
- Low fees & margins: Cross-border person-to-merchant (P2M) UPI transactions attract notably low forex margins and charges, thanks to UPI’s efficiency and competitive ecosystem.
- Ease of use: Just scan, approve, and pay—the experience mirrors how users transact domestically.
- Affordability for merchants & users: The transparent exchange rates and lean processing keep costs predictable.
Source: (NIPL – Interoperability)
Unlocking Global Payments with UPI
NIPL’s UPI Global framework ensures users and merchants get both convenience and trust. Its standout features are:
- Use your preferred UPI app when paying abroad.
- See real-time exchange rates and debit amounts before confirming a payment.
- Transactions go through trusted international acquiring partners.
- Robust two-factor authentication ensures secure payments.
Source: PIB Press Release
Simplifying Payments for Inbound Tourists
The benefits aren’t limited to Indians travelling abroad. Inbound foreign tourists can also enjoy the power of UPI.
- Tourists from Mauritius can now pay across India including retail shops to restaurants using their UPI-enabled apps by scanning QR codes—no need for cash or credit cards.
- This benefits from India’s expansive QR payment network.
- It makes spending seamless for travelers and strengthens cross-border tourism.
This step not only simplifies travel for inbound visitors but also encourages cross-border tourism and trade by showcasing India’s robust digital payment infrastructure.
Enhancing Foreign Payment Convenience
With NIPL’s rollout of UPI features:
- QR-based UPI payments are widely accepted across India for inbound tourists, expats, and students.
- Payments are instant, secure, and easy for both users and merchants.
- NIPL is paving the way for smoother cross-border payment experiences.
(Source: NIPL – How It Works / Interoperability)
RuPay – India’s Global Card Payment Network
RuPay is India’s first homegrown card payment network, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to provide a secure, scalable, and cost-effective alternative to international card schemes. Initially designed for domestic transactions, RuPay has now become a global payment network with growing acceptance across multiple countries, thanks to efforts by NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL).
Key Features of RuPay Cards
- Wide Acceptance in India – Accepted at almost all ATMs, PoS terminals, and e-commerce platforms across the country.
- Global Reach – Through partnerships with Discover Financial Services (DFS) and Japan Credit Bureau (JCB), RuPay ensures access at millions of merchants and ATMs worldwide.
- Secure Technology – Backed by advanced architecture that prioritizes robustness, scalability, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness.
- International Benefits – Enables Indian travellers, NRIs, and international partners to access a trusted and cost-effective payment solution.
RuPay Goes Global
To support India’s growing digital footprint abroad, NIPL has been expanding RuPay’s international presence:
- 2020 – Bhutan became the first country outside India to issue and accept RuPay cards. Bhutanese citizens can use their RuPay cards in India, while Indian travellers can make seamless payments in Bhutan.
- 2024 – Mauritius launched RuPay card issuance and acceptance across ATMs and PoS terminals, marking another milestone in RuPay’s global expansion.
- Strategic Partnerships with DFS and JCB further extend RuPay’s global network, giving Indian travellers access in 190+ countries.
Benefits for Indians Abroad
- Financial Inclusion Beyond Borders – RuPay empowers countries with shared ties to India (like Bhutan and Mauritius) to integrate into the global digital economy.
- Convenience – Indian tourists and NRIs can pay in destination countries using their familiar RuPay card.
- Global Access – NPCI International aims to multiply acceptance at ATMs, PoS machines, and e-commerce platforms worldwide.
- Cost-Effective Transactions – Competitive pricing compared to other international card schemes.
Author
